Northern Groups Suggest Restructuring To Solve Separatist Agitation

The Coalition of Northern Groups, or CNG, suggested constitutional restructuring as the answer to the separatist agitations in the Northern and Southern parts of the country.

Last weekend, the Convener, Yerima Shettima, talked about the neglect of restructuring and implementation of true federalism and how it disrupted the nation’s development. Had it started accordingly, the agitation for separation would not have arisen. This includes the agitation for Biafra and Oduduwa republics.

“The power concentration at the centre is enormous. There should be a deliberate effort to weaken the power at the centre and make the parts more productive and resourceful. This is the only way the country can move forward,” he said.

Shettima also added that while the fate of the parts lies at the centre, states or regions will not be able to develop well. He advised the country to revert to the regional model where each region possesses the power to utilise its resources while also contributing to the centre.

Four years after the CNG gave the Igbo notice to quit the northern region, the Northerners almost became prisoners in their area.

“We were afraid of our lives. We thought assassins would kill us. We were almost becoming prisoners, as we can no longer move freely. Even at home, we don’t have sound sleep,” added Shettima.